Monday 25 March 2019 09:43, UK
David Pipe is planning to put Umbrigado to the test at a higher level at next month's Grand National meeting.
The Irish point-to-point recruit is unbeaten in three starts under rules - landing a Uttoxeter bumper, a maiden hurdle at Southwell and then a novice at Exeter.
Pipe decided to sidestep the Cheltenham Festival with his five-year-old, but a trip to Aintree is under serious consideration.
The Devon trainer said: "Umbrigado was impressive in his bumper and last time at Exeter.
"He's a horse we've thought a lot of and he's going to have to step up again, but he warrants taking his chance in a better race.
"He might go up to Aintree, because he missed Cheltenham. He'll be entered in the two and the two-and-a-half-mile novice hurdles."
Umbrigado could be joined on the trip to Aintree by stablemate Eden Du Houx.
The five-year-old won bumpers at Plumpton and Ascot in December, and Pipe resisted the temptation to run him in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
He added: "Eden Du Houx missed Cheltenham and he could go to Aintree or Punchestown.
"We left him out of Cheltenham. I spoke to Caroline (Tisdall, owner), and we just decided we'd wait for either Aintree or Punchestown.
"He's had a little break and seems in good form - and has done nothing wrong this season."